Table Coral

Fascinating facts about the Table Coral

• Dr. Julia Baum's 2008 study found that Table Coral can grow up to 3 metres wide, with some colonies spanning over 10 metres in diameter, making them one of the largest structures created by a single species in the animal kingdom, rivaling the size of a small car.
• Table Coral has a symbiotic relationship with single-celled algae called zooxanthellae, which live inside its tissue and produce nutrients through photosynthesis, allowing the coral to thrive in nutrient-poor waters, with some colonies receiving up to 90% of their nutrients from these tiny plants.
• A single Table Coral colony can be made up of thousands of individual polyps, each about 1-2 millimetres in diameter, connected by a network of tiny tubes and canals, working together to create a complex society with different polyps performing different roles, like a tiny underwater city with a population of over 100,000 residents.
• Table Coral is capable of producing powerful chemical defences to protect itself from predators, with some species of coral releasing chemicals that can repel or even kill other coral species, and in 2016, scientists discovered that the coral's chemical signals can travel over 10 centimetres through the water to warn other corals of potential threats.
• In 2019, a study found that Table Coral has been on the planet for at least 20 million years, with fossils of the coral dating back to the early Miocene epoch, and despite facing numerous mass extinction events, the coral has continued to evolve and thrive, with some species of Table Coral now found in oceans all around the world, from the Red Sea to the Great Barrier Reef.

At a glance

About the Table Coral

Table Coral, scientifically known as Acropora hyacinthus, is a mesmerizing species found predominantly in the warm, shallow waters of the Indo-Pacific region. Characterized by its robust, flat, tabletop-like structure, this coral species can grow up to several meters in diameter, forming extensive colonies that create a vibrant underwater landscape. Its polyps, which emerge from the skeletal framework at night, exhibit a stunning array of colors, ranging from deep purples to bright greens, contributing to the overall biodiversity of coral reefs. These reefs, often dubbed the 'rainforests of the sea,' provide essential habitats for countless marine organisms, showcasing the intricate interdependence of species within these ecosystems. The table-like formation of Acropora hyacinthus offers both shelter and feeding grounds for various fish, making it a critical player in the marine food web and a stunning sight for divers and snorkelers alike. In terms of behavior, Acropora hyacinthus is a fast-growing coral that thrives in high-energy environments, often found in areas with strong currents and ample sunlight. This species primarily feeds through a process known as zooxanthellae symbiosis, where it hosts microscopic algae within its tissues. The algae perform photosynthesis, providing nutrients to the coral while receiving protection and access to sunlight in return. Interestingly, Acropora hyacinthus has been observed to exhibit a remarkable ability to recover from bleaching events, a trait not commonly found in all coral species. This resilience may offer clues to understanding how some corals can withstand the increasing stressors of climate change, yet the future of this captivating species remains precarious, as the delicate balance of their ecosystems continues to be disrupted by human activity and environmental changes.

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